Thailand Golden Visa: A 20-Year Elite Status Vacation

The awe-inducing beaches, friendly people, and delicious cuisine draw people from around the world to visit Thailand. For those who fall in love with the country, the Thailand golden visa allows residency for up to 20 years.

Thailand has long welcomed tourists and investors to explore and admire the country. With the development of the Thailand Elite Visa in 2003, also referred to as the golden visa, visitors and businesspeople can reside in Thailand with elite benefits. 

The Thailand Elite Residency program offers exclusive benefits and VIP treatment for a number of different categories. From families to retirees to businesspeople traveling to Thailand frequently, the Thailand Elite Visa is an ideal opportunity. 

While it technically is not a golden visa, we will use the term interchangeably as the visa still requires a large sum to apply. 

If you don’t want to commit to investing in the Thailand Golden Visa, you may want to consider the Thailand digital nomad visa, allowing residency for ten years while working remotely. 

This article will explore the different types of Thai Elite Visas, the requirements, benefits, and how to apply. 

Does Thailand Have a Golden Visa?

Technically, the Thailand golden visa does not exist. 

There is no specific visa in Thailand labeled as a golden visa.

However, the Thailand Elite Visa is often referred to as the Thailand golden visa because it offers a similar scheme to investors and entrepreneurs. 

The difference between a golden visa and the Thailand Elite Visa is the opportunity for permanent settlement. Unfortunately, the Elite Visa does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship. 

Benefits of the Thailand Golden Visa Elite

There are plenty of unique benefits to the Thailand golden visa elite status. Visa holders will experience extra services, top-tier treatment, and VIP benefits that can make their time in Thailand one to truly remember. 

VIP Services

While there are different levels of the Thailand Elite Visa, each comes with its own VIP services. These services could include:

• Airport transfers
• Lounge access
• Luggage storage
• Government assistance
• Exclusive spa packages
• Legal services
• Golf club access
• Medical assistance
• Accommodation offers
• Car rental services
• And more! 

Imagine the entire country of Thailand as your personal resort equipped with services to make your stay enjoyable and easy with the elite visa.

Membership Levels

There are multiple membership levels to the Thailand golden visa program. Each has its own benefit and cost associated with it. 

Whether you’re a frequent business traveler, retiree, family, or a young digital nomad, there is a Thai Elite Visa for virtually everyone!

The length of the visas varies, as well as the VIP services included. 

Family Inclusion

The Thailand Elite Residency program offers visa packages specifically for families who wish to spend more time in Thailand. 

Main applicants can include immediate family members,  including spouses, children, parents, and step-parents. 

Prolonged Stay Allowance

The average tourist visa to visit Thailand is just 30 days. However, with the Thailand Elite Visa, holders can access the country for five to twenty years with multiple entries. 

With each entry, you’ll have the option to extend your stay for an entire year. So, while you technically will not be considered a resident of Thailand, you can stay for a prolonged period of time.

No Minimum Stay Requirement

Once you have obtained the Thailand golden visa, there are no minimum stay requirements that you have to meet. 

You can go to Thailand for just one day out of the year and still have access to the country with your elite visa. 

This freedom allows you to travel the world as you wish with the certainty of knowing you will always be welcomed into Thailand.

How is the Thailand Elite Membership Different from a Golden Visa?

As mentioned earlier, the Thailand Elite Membership is not technically a golden visa. It is better stated as a membership that you purchase to have prolonged access to Thailand. 

It doesn’t necessarily allow you to live and relocate to the country as a golden visa would. 

Below are just some of the differences between the Thailand Elite Visa and a traditional golden visa.

No Permanent Residence

With the Thailand Elite Visa, you will not be considered a resident of Thailand. You will always be considered a tourist. 

While you can own property and rent an apartment, you will still be treated as a tourist legally and otherwise. 

Does Not Lead to Citizenship

The Thai Elite Visa also does not put you on a path for permanent residency or citizenship, as many golden visas do. 

To become a permanent resident in Thailand, you must live there for three consecutive years on a non-immigrant visa. To obtain citizenship, you must live in the country for at least ten years. 

No ROI Opportunities

Most golden visas offer investment opportunities that create an ROI for the visa holder. This is often in the form of purchasing real estate, investing in a business or project, or buying government bonds. 

Unfortunately, the price to pay for the Thailand Elite Visa is strictly a membership fee. In return, you will have access to the program, but it is not considered a financial investment. 

Thailand Elite Memberships and Prices

We mentioned earlier that there are multiple memberships with different benefits and prices. 

Elite Ultimate Privilege Membership

Price: 2 million THB + VAT 

Annual Fee: 20,000 THB + VAT

The Elite Ultimate Privilege Membership is the highest level membership you can purchase. Valid for 20 years, members are granted a five-year multiple-entry visa with an extendable one-year stay for every entry. The visa is renewable up to four times. 

Along with access to the country, there is a 24-hour hotline for English speakers, an annual health check, airport services, and exclusive discounts at stores, spas, resorts, and more. 

Applicants must be at least 20 years old to apply for the Elite Ultimate Privilege Membership. 

Elite Family Premium Membership

Price: 1 million THB (VAT included)

Annual Fee: 10,000 THB (VAT included)

Perfect for families who would like to have access to Thailand for at least five years, there is the Elite Family Premium Membership.

As a member of the Elite Family Premium visa, you will experience airport services, immigration services, special discounts, 10 visits to a golf course and spa per year, and access to a 24-hour English-speaking hotline. 

Family members can include immediate family, such as parents, step-parents, spouses, and children. 

Elite Privilege Access Membership

Price: 1 million THB (VAT included)

Annual Fee:  None

Valid for 10 years, applicants of any age can apply for the Elite Privilege Access Membership and receive a renewable five-year multiple-entry visa. They can extend their stay in Thailand for one year with each entry. 

The main applicant may include additional members for just 800,000 THB each. 

Benefits of this package include airport services, immigration services, special discounts at stores, spas, and restaurants, annual health checks, and a 24-hour hotline for English speakers. 

Elite Easy Access Membership

Price: 600,000 THB (VAT included)

Annual Fee: None

Valid for five years, applicants of any age can apply for the Elite Easy Access Membership. They will receive a five-year multiple-entry visa with the ability to extend their stay up to one year upon each entry.

Additional members may not be added to this package. 

Benefits of this package include airport services, immigration services, special discounts at stores, spas, and restaurants, and a 24-hour hotline for English speakers. 

Elite Family Excursion Membership

The Elite Family Excursion Membership has been suspended as of June 16, 2023. The company is reviewing the guidelines and benefits while restructuring the program. 

[Stay tuned for updates!]

Elite Family Alternative Membership

Price: 800,000 THB (VAT included) and 700,000 THB (VAT included) for each additional member

Annual Fee: None

Families who would like access to Thailand for ten years with a multiple-entry visa may be interested in the Elite Family Alternative Membership. 

With no annual fee, holders just pay a one-time fee of 800,000 THB for the main applicant and 700,000 THB for additional family members, including parents, step-parents, spouses, and children. 

This visa is not transferable to other family members after purchase. 

Benefits of this package include airport services, immigration services, special discounts at stores, spas, and restaurants, and a 24-hour hotline for English speakers. 

Elite Superiority Extension Membership

Price: 1 million THB (VAT included)

Annual Fee: None

Valid for 20 years, the Elite Superiority Extension Membership is perfect for applicants of any age to visit Thailand as much as they please with their renewable five-year multiple-entry visa. 

With one simple fee, applicants will enjoy the benefits of the Thailand Elite Visa program for two decades! 

It’s important to note that the visa is non-transferable. 

Benefits of this package include airport services, immigration services, special discounts at stores, spas, and restaurants, and a 24-hour hotline for English speakers. 

Elite Maxima Health Membership

Price: 1.5 million THB (VAT included)

Annual Fee: None

For applicants between the ages of 5 and 55, the Elite Maxima Health Membership is valid for five years and comes with premium medical services. 

Included in this membership are two oral health checks per year and one annual medical check. You’ll also have access to spas six times per year and airport services 12 times per year. 

Members also have access to immigration services, special discounts, and a 24-hour English hotline. 

How to Apply for an Elite Thailand Golden Visa

The application process for one of the Thailand Elite Memberships is easy, done all online, and quick. 

Step 1: Choose Your Membership Package

Before starting your Thailand visa application,  you must choose the right membership package for your situation. 

Consider the validity, cost, annual fees, and VIP benefits that come with each. 

You can view all of the Elite Membership packages on the official Thailand Privilege website.

Step 2: Register with TPC

On the official Thailand Elite website, you will register an account and provide the requested information, such as a copy of your passport. 

Step 3: Due Diligence

After you have requested your specific membership package, Thailand Elite will conduct a due diligence and background check on the applicant and members. 

This should take between two and three months. 

Additional information and documentation may be requested. 

Step 4: Pay Fees

Once the due diligence is complete and the application has been approved, the applicant must pay the required fees. 

Two weeks after the fees are paid, they will receive their Thailand Elite Visa. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Thailand Elite Visa program can be a bit confusing, especially considering that it is not technically a golden visa. However, below are answers to some of the most common questions about the program.

Is the Thailand Elite Visa a Golden Visa?

No, the Thailand Elite Visa is not a golden visa. 

While it does require a lofty investment, it does not give applicants the right to fully reside in Thailand. Instead, it offers a multiple-entry visa valid for five years, and sometimes is renewable. The visits may be extended for one year with each entry.

However, the applicant will never be considered a resident of Thailand.

Can I bring my family with the Thailand Elite Membership?

Yes, there are specific family packages where applicants include their immediate family members, such as parents, step-parents, spouses, and children.

Does Thailand allow dual citizenship?

No, Thailand does not allow dual citizenship. If you wish to become a Thai citizen, you must renounce your citizenship.

Does the Thailand Elite Visa lead to citizenship?

No, the Thailand Elite Visa does not lead to citizenship or permanent residency.

Can I live in Thailand with the Elite Membership?

You may stay in Thailand for one year after each entry into the country. However, you will not be considered a resident. 

How long does the Thailand Elite Visa application process take?

The process can take anywhere from two to three months to receive your Thailand Elite Visa.